Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been told the team wants him back. (Pioneer Press file photo: John Autey)

Jared Allen is gone. But Kevin Williams might not be.

Williams, a defensive tackle and the Vikings' longest-tenured player at 11 seasons, said Monday that Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman has told him he wants him back. Williams, an unrestricted free agent, said it could happen.

"I wouldn't rule it out," Williams said. "I would like to come back, but I'll have to see if it's a fit for both of us. I talked to Rick a couple of times and he said he wants me back. I have to see what the coaching staff is going to want (with Mike Zimmer in his first season as head coach)."

Saturday, Allen's agent, Ken Harris, told the Vikings that the veteran defensive end would not be re-signing with the team as a free agent. A source said Monday that he would be "shocked" if Allen doesn't end up signing with Denver after unrestricted free agents are able to do so starting Tuesday.

Allen said in a radio interview last week, "If you can play for one of the top five quarterbacks, that makes life easier.'' Peyton Manning is certainly in the top five.

After learning of Allen's departure, the Vikings on Sunday agreed to a five-year, $42.5 million deal to re-sign defensive end Everson Griffen. A source said Monday that "definitely'' took them out of the running for Cincinnati free-agent defensive end Michael Johnson, whom they had expressed interest in.

Williams called it bittersweet to hear of the departure of Allen, who had starred alongside him for six seasons on Minnesota's line.

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"He has to do what's best for him," Williams said of Allen. "We had some great times (in Minnesota) and I'll always consider him a good friend."

Williams, 33, didn't want to put a percentage on the chances he will re-sign, but did say he wants to make a decision "soon.'' He said his agent, Tom Condon, is continuing to talk to the Vikings and other teams.

In his 11 seasons with the Vikings, Williams has made six Pro Bowls and five times has been named first-team all-pro. Zimmer called Williams an "outstanding player" last week but said it is "a business decision and it's a financial decision" whether he might return.

Williams made $4.9 million last season after having his contract restructured. He almost assuredly would have to take less than that to return to the Vikings.